Optimization on Dry Sliding Wear, Electrical Resistivity and Mechanical Properties of Cu–4Cr–xZrC Composites

Abstract

This present study is to develop statistical model that might be used to predict the wear properties of Cu - 4Cr - xZrC (x = 0-8 wt. % of ZrC) composites have faith in densification of the powder throughout compaction and sintering. The influence of the reinforcement, sliding distance and load on Specific Wear Rate (SWR) and Coefficient of Friction (COF) were studied using pin-on-disc machine. L27 orthogonal array was selected for investigating the full factorial design using three factors with one replicate. Based on the main effects plots and interaction plots obtained through design was studied. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to explore the influencing input parameters on SWR and COF. The hardness of the composites will increase because of the increase in wt. % of ZrC. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), pin on-disc system, Four point probe tester and Rockwell hardness tester were used to evaluate the characterization, tribological properties, electrical resistivity and hardness respectively of Cu-4Cr-xZrC composites respectively. The level of each parameter is fixed at three totally different levels, namely low, medium and high. Mathematical model was applied by design expert software so as to precise the influence degree of the most wear variables like reinforcement, sliding distance and load on SWR and COF respectively. The results indicate that the reinforcement is more dominant factor affecting SWR and COF mainly. The reinforcement plays an important role than sliding distance and load. The morphology of the worn out surfaces was analyzed to know the wear mechanisms.